Fermented Foods · Fermented drink
Lassi and Ayran
Yogurt drinks (prepared foods, not a plant) · also called Lassi, sweet lassi, salted lassi, ayran, doogh (related)
Lassi and ayran are drinks made from yogurt and water. Lassi comes from South Asia and ayran from Turkey. Almost no research tests these drinks themselves: the main findings are about yogurt in general, plus one small trial of ayran with added probiotics and gum inflammation. The main cautions are milk allergy, lactose, unpasteurised dairy in pregnancy, and salt or sugar in some recipes.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Lassi and Ayran
Lassi and ayran are drinks made from yogurt. They are foods, not proven remedies. Research on the drinks themselves is very thin, so most of what is known is borrowed from yogurt, and the safety points are milk allergy, lactose, pregnancy and salt or sugar.
What they are
Lassi is a traditional yogurt-based fermented drink from India that comes in sweet, salty and spiced types, as described in a 2026 review. Ayran is a Turkish yogurt drink; a 2025 review of Turkish yoghurts names it among the yoghurt-based products.
This is a small page on purpose. We found little research on these two drinks, and we say where a number could not be checked.
What is in them (what we could verify)
USDA has no entry for lassi or ayran, so there is no official per-glass table. For comparison, plain low-fat yogurt, the main ingredient, has per 100 g: 63 kcal, 5.25 g protein, 183 mg calcium and 70 mg sodium (USDA). A glass of about 250 g of undiluted yogurt would have about 158 kcal, 13 g protein and 458 mg calcium. Lassi and ayran are diluted and may contain added salt or sugar, so their real values differ.
We did not find a source for the salt or sugar in real products. Read the label of packaged drinks. The WHO says adults should keep salt under 5 g a day and free sugars under 10% of daily energy.
What the research shows
The review of Indian lassi says published work is mostly about how the drink is made, its quality and its safety, with few human health studies. Gut, immune and heart benefits are presented as hypotheses from yogurt and buttermilk research.
One randomised trial in 54 students tested ayran with two added probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum) against regular ayran. After 42 days and then 5 days without brushing, the probiotic group had lower plaque, gum redness, bleeding and a gum enzyme marker. Probing depth did not differ. It was small, short and used a special product.
A 108-study review concluded that yogurt eating is causally linked to better lactose digestion and tolerance. It did not test lassi or ayran. A 2025 review of 68 studies found that fermented dairy had no consistent effect on blood fats.
Food versus probiotic products
ISAPP says fermented foods are different from probiotics, which need a shown health benefit for the strains used. The gum trial used ayran with added probiotic bacteria, which is not the same as ordinary ayran or lassi from a shop. The sources we read do not show that ordinary lassi or ayran meet the probiotic definition.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Drunk as a cooling yogurt drink in South Asia and Turkey
- Long use as food is not proof that it treats any condition
Studied for research
- General gut, immune and heart claims for lassi, insufficient (hypotheses only)
- Gum inflammation, low certainty (probiotic-enriched ayran, one small trial)
- Lactose digestion, insufficient for these drinks (established for yogurt)
- Blood fats, insufficient (fermented dairy overall)
- Food allergy, insufficient and not a reason to use them with milk allergy
Main compounds
- Milk protein
- Lactose (milk sugar)
- Live yogurt bacteria (amount in products not shown)
- Calcium (from milk)
- Salt in ayran and sugar in sweet lassi (amounts not found)
Common forms
- Plain, salted, sweet and fruit lassi, as drinks
- Ayran, as a drink
- Probiotic-enriched ayran, used in one trial and not the same as ordinary ayran
- Probiotic supplements are different products and are not covered
Research links: 2026 review: Indian lassi · 2024 trial: probiotic ayran and gum inflammation · 2021 review: yogurt and health · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Lassi and ayran (yogurt drinks)
- Naming authority
- Not a species: these are prepared foods, not plants.
- Common names
- Lassi (Hindi/English); Ayran (Turkish/English); Sweet lassi (English); Salted lassi (English); Doogh (related drink) (Persian/English)
- Family or group
- Fermented dairy drinks made from yogurt.
- Native range
- Lassi is described as Indian and ayran as Turkish in the sources read; no wider range was researched.
- Harvest and processing
- The 2026 review describes lassi as a traditional yogurt-based fermented drink in sweet, salty and spiced forms. A 2003 lab paper studied ayran with different water and salt levels (title only was read). How ayran and lassi are made at home or in factories, and the live cultures in each, were not read from a source.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Yogurt; Note: The main ingredient; thicker, with different amounts of nutrients per serving.; Name: Cultured buttermilk and kefir; Note: Other fermented milk drinks with their own pages.; Name: Probiotic supplements; Note: Not the same as a food; the gum trial used ayran with added probiotic bacteria.
Photographs
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lactose | sugar | Not found for lassi or ayran | Milk sugar; the cause of lactose intolerance symptoms in some people. NIDDK says many people could have about 12 g without symptoms or with mild ones. 11 | Human data |
| Live lactic acid bacteria (yogurt cultures) | microorganisms | Not found for lassi or ayran | Yogurt bacteria are linked to better lactose digestion in the yogurt review. Whether lassi or ayran on sale contain live cultures was not shown. 5 3 | Human data |
| Added probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum) | microorganisms | Only in the probiotic ayran of one trial | Added to the test ayran in the gum trial; not part of ordinary ayran. 1 | Human data |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactose digestion by yogurt bacteria | Not specified in the abstract | The yogurt review concludes a causal link between yogurt and lactose digestion. How this works for diluted yogurt drinks was not shown. 5 | Human data |
| Gum inflammation markers | MMP-8 (gum fluid enzyme) | In the trial, probiotic ayran went with lower MMP-8 and other gum scores. The mechanism was not tested; this is only an observed difference. 1 | Human data |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not found.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Not found.
- Elimination
- Not found.
- Bioavailability
- Not found.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
The only trial used ayran with added probiotic bacteria, which is not the same as ordinary ayran or lassi. The lactose and blood fat results are for yogurt and fermented dairy in general, not for these diluted drinks. Probiotic supplements are different products and are not covered here.
Nutritional composition
Nutrition: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, April 2018) has no entry for lassi or ayran, so there are no USDA values for them. For comparison only, plain low-fat yogurt (FDC 170886), the main ingredient, has per 100 g: 63 kcal, 5.25 g protein, 1.55 g fat, 7.04 g carbohydrate (all natural sugars), 0 g fibre, 183 mg calcium, 234 mg potassium and 70 mg sodium (values read 2026-10-26 from a saved copy of the data). A glass of about 250 g of undiluted yogurt would have about 158 kcal, 13.1 g protein and 458 mg calcium (the 100 g values multiplied by 2.5). Lassi and ayran are made by adding water, and often salt or sugar, so a glass of either will differ from these numbers: diluting lowers protein and calcium, while added salt or sugar raises sodium or sugars. Real values depend on the recipe, so check the label.
1 low certainty4 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 5 benefits and uses checked for Lassi and Ayran, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- General health claims for lassi (gut, immune, heart)Not enough evidence
- Gum inflammation (probiotic-enriched ayran)Low certainty
- Lactose digestion (yogurt evidence)Not enough evidence
- Blood fats (fermented dairy overall)Not enough evidence
- Fermented foods and food allergyNot enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Gum inflammation markers (plaque, gingival index, bleeding, MMP-8)Lactose digestion and toleranceTotal and LDL cholesterol
What is Lassi and Ayran good for?
The main studied uses and how strong the human evidence is. Almost none of it tests lassi or ayran themselves: most results are for yogurt or fermented dairy in general.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
General health claims for lassi (gut, immune, heart)
Not enough evidenceA 2026 review of Indian lassi says its possible gut, immune and heart benefits are ideas drawn from yogurt and buttermilk research, not confirmed by lassi trials. Most lassi research is about how it is made, its quality and safety.
2 studiesSweet, salty and spiced lassi; amounts vary by recipe.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial of lassi on gut, immune or heart outcomes was found in the sources read. The review itself says health effects are inferred from broader fermented dairy research.
Results
Hypothesis only; not tested in lassi.
Effect sizes as reported
No effect sizes for lassi.
Why this rating
The one lassi-specific review says confirmed lassi clinical trials are missing.
Form and dose studied
Sweet, salty and spiced lassi; amounts vary by recipe.
Who was studied
General adult diet.
Limits
Review abstract only. Health claims are extrapolated from yogurt and buttermilk.
Why researchers looked
Lassi is a yogurt drink, and yogurt has been studied for gut and heart health.
Traditional use
Lassi (South Asia) and ayran (Turkey) are traditional drinks. Long use as food is not proof that they treat any condition.
Proposed mechanism Hypothesis
The review suggests live cultures and fermentation products from yogurt-type drinks could play a part. This is the authors' hypothesis, not a tested mechanism in lassi.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Contains milk; see the Safety tab.
Gum inflammation (probiotic-enriched ayran)
Low certaintyIn one small trial, students who drank ayran with two added probiotic bacteria twice a day for 42 days had less gum inflammation than those who drank regular ayran. This was a special product, not ordinary ayran, and a short test in healthy young people.
2 studiesProbiotic-enriched ayran, twice a day for 42 days (serving size not g…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised, double-blind trial in 54 volunteer students. After 5 days without brushing, the probiotic ayran group had lower plaque, gum redness, bleeding and a gum enzyme marker (MMP-8) than the regular ayran group. Probing depth did not differ.
Results
Lower gum inflammation markers with probiotic-enriched ayran than with regular ayran.
Effect sizes as reported
Group differences at day 47 were reported as statistically significant; the abstract gives no mean differences.
Why this rating
A single small trial in young healthy students with an induced, short-term gum problem. Test product contained added Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, so it does not show that ordinary ayran has the same effect.
Form and dose studied
Probiotic-enriched ayran, twice a day for 42 days (serving size not given in the abstract).
Who was studied
Healthy young students.
Limits
One trial, no repeat found. Funding not stated. It was an induced gingivitis model, not people with gum disease.
Why researchers looked
Probiotic bacteria are studied for gum health, and ayran was used as the drink to carry them.
Traditional use
Lassi (South Asia) and ayran (Turkey) are traditional drinks. Long use as food is not proof that they treat any condition.
Proposed mechanism Author interpretation
The authors suggest the added bacteria lowered markers of gum inflammation. The abstract does not prove how.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Probiotic bacteria carry a higher risk in people with severe illness or weak immunity (NCCIH).
Lactose digestion (yogurt evidence)
Not enough evidenceA review of 108 studies concluded that eating yogurt is causally linked to better lactose digestion and tolerance. Lassi and ayran are diluted yogurt drinks and were not tested there, so the same result is not shown for them.
2 studiesYogurt as a food.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The review of 108 studies of fermented milks concluded a causal relationship between yogurt consumption and lactose digestion and tolerance. NIDDK says many people could have about 12 g of lactose without symptoms or with mild ones, and suggests yogurt as an option, but it names neither lassi nor ayran.
Results
Established for yogurt in the review; not tested for lassi or ayran.
Effect sizes as reported
No effect sizes in the abstract.
Why this rating
Good evidence for yogurt, none found for these drinks, whose dilution and added ingredients may change the result.
Form and dose studied
Yogurt as a food.
Who was studied
People with lactose intolerance.
Limits
Qualitative review. Does not mention lassi or ayran.
Why researchers looked
Many people with lactose intolerance find yogurt easier than milk.
Traditional use
Lassi (South Asia) and ayran (Turkey) are traditional drinks. Long use as food is not proof that they treat any condition.
Proposed mechanism Author interpretation
The review links this to live bacteria in yogurt that help break down lactose. The abstract only states the conclusion; lassi was not tested.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Lassi and ayran contain lactose; try a small amount.
Blood fats (fermented dairy overall)
Not enough evidenceA 2025 review of 68 studies found that most trials of fermented dairy showed no significant change in blood fats. A few found small falls in total and LDL cholesterol, mostly with yoghurt and kefir.
1 studiesConventional fermented dairy in general.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The systematic review judged study quality, consistency and mechanism evidence "neither convincing nor sufficient" by EFSA criteria. Lassi and ayran are not named in the abstract.
Results
Mostly no significant change; a few modest falls with yoghurt and kefir.
Effect sizes as reported
No pooled numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Inconsistent trials with high risk of bias, for fermented dairy overall and not for these drinks.
Form and dose studied
Conventional fermented dairy in general.
Who was studied
Healthy adults.
Limits
Not about lassi or ayran. Sweet lassi may contain added sugar, which is a separate question.
Why researchers looked
Fermented dairy is studied for heart health.
Traditional use
Lassi (South Asia) and ayran (Turkey) are traditional drinks. Long use as food is not proof that they treat any condition.
Proposed mechanism Author interpretation
Possible effects of substances made during fermentation are suggested in the review. The authors rated mechanism evidence as not sufficient.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Sugar and salt in some recipes; see the Safety tab.
Fermented foods and food allergy
Not enough evidenceSome studies found fermented foods can lower allergenicity, but a 2025 review of 10 studies called the evidence too limited for firm conclusions. This does not make lassi or ayran safe for a cow's milk allergy.
2 studiesFermented foods in general.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The review found reduced allergenicity in several studies, one case of a worse allergic response, and mostly important methodological limitations. The review does not name lassi or ayran.
Results
Limited and mixed; not evidence of safety for people with milk allergy.
Why this rating
Few studies with weak methods, and none on these drinks.
Form and dose studied
Fermented foods in general.
Who was studied
People with food allergy.
Limits
Not tested on lassi or ayran. Must not be read as a reason to try these drinks with a milk allergy.
Why researchers looked
Fermentation can break down some allergen proteins in the lab.
Traditional use
Lassi (South Asia) and ayran (Turkey) are traditional drinks. Long use as food is not proof that they treat any condition.
Proposed mechanism Author interpretation
The review says fermentation can break down allergen proteins in gluten or soy. For milk drinks this was not shown in the abstract.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Milk is a major allergen; see the Safety tab.
Connections to the rest of health
How Lassi and Ayran connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive Wellness | Not enough evidence | General health claims for lassi (gut, immune, heart): A 2026 review of Indian lassi says its possible gut, immune and heart benefits are ideas drawn from yogurt and buttermilk research, not confirmed by lassi trials. Most lassi research is about how it is made, its quality and safety. | 4 3 | |
| Oral Health | Low certainty | Gum inflammation (probiotic-enriched ayran): In one small trial, students who drank ayran with two added probiotic bacteria twice a day for 42 days had less gum inflammation than those who drank regular ayran. This was a special product, not ordinary ayran, and a short test in healthy young people. | 1 9 | |
| Digestive Wellness | Not enough evidence | Lactose digestion (yogurt evidence): A review of 108 studies concluded that eating yogurt is causally linked to better lactose digestion and tolerance. Lassi and ayran are diluted yogurt drinks and were not tested there, so the same result is not shown for them. | 5 11 | |
| Heart Health | Not enough evidence | Blood fats (fermented dairy overall): A 2025 review of 68 studies found that most trials of fermented dairy showed no significant change in blood fats. A few found small falls in total and LDL cholesterol, mostly with yoghurt and kefir. | 6 | |
| Allergy Awareness | Not enough evidence | Fermented foods and food allergy: Some studies found fermented foods can lower allergenicity, but a 2025 review of 10 studies called the evidence too limited for firm conclusions. This does not make lassi or ayran safe for a cow's milk allergy. | 2 8 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digestive System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: General health claims for lassi (gut, immune, heart) Studied for: Lactose digestion (yogurt evidence) | 4 3 5 11 |
| Oral Cavity | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Gum inflammation (probiotic-enriched ayran) | 1 9 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Blood fats (fermented dairy overall) | 6 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Fermented foods and food allergy | 2 8 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cow's milk allergy | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | Lassi and ayran are milk-based and are not safe with a cow's milk allergy. Preparation or compound: Milk protein in the drinks |
8 2 |
| Lactose intolerance | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | Yogurt is easier than milk for some people; lassi and ayran were not tested. Preparation or compound: Lactose in the drinks |
11 5 |
| Listeriosis | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | Unpasteurised dairy may carry listeria, a pregnancy risk per the NHS. Preparation or compound: Unpasteurised dairy |
10 |
| Gingivitis | Preliminary | One small trial found less gum inflammation with probiotic-enriched ayran than regular ayran. Preparation or compound: Probiotic-enriched ayran |
1 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gum inflammation markers (plaque, gingival index, bleeding, MMP-8) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
| Lactose digestion and tolerance | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: improved (for yogurt). A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 5 11 |
| Total and LDL cholesterol | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: no consistent change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
K. Biological pathways
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium | Preliminary mechanism | Lab | Plain yogurt, the main ingredient, has 183 mg per 100 g (USDA); lassi and ayran were not measured. | 12 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lactose | Biological association | Human | Milk sugar; the cause of lactose intolerance symptoms in some people. NIDDK says many people could have about 12 g without symptoms or with mild ones. | 11 |
| Live lactic acid bacteria (yogurt cultures) | Biological association | Human | Yogurt bacteria are linked to better lactose digestion in the yogurt review. Whether lassi or ayran on sale contain live cultures was not shown. | 5 3 |
| Added probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum) | Biological association | Human | Added to the test ayran in the gum trial; not part of ordinary ayran. | 1 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 26, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what changed in 1 lab markers
Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.
The evidence
The research centre for Lassi and Ayran. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing summary for lassi and ayran and re-read each source: PubMed abstracts and the NHS, NIDDK, MedlinePlus, NCCIH and WHO pages. Only abstracts were read for studies. The 2003 ayran lab paper could be checked by title only. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
Study library: every study we checked 14
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkaya 2024 Daily Probiotic Ayran Intake Reduces Gingival Inflammation: An Experimental Gingivitis Study. Oral Health Prev Dent · PMID 39400083 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
54 54 volunteer students; experimental gingivitis model (tooth brushing stopped for 5 days) |
Ayran enriched with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum (test) versus regular ayran (control) Whole drink Twice a day (amount per serving not given in the abstract) 42 days, then 5 days without mechanical plaque control · vs Regular ayran |
At day 47 the probiotic ayran group had significantly lower plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing and MMP-8 than the regular ayran group. Probing pocket depth did not differ at any time point. All measures rose in both groups during the 5-day period without brushing. Group differences at day 47 reported as significant (p = 0.002 for one score and p of 0.001 or less for the others, as the abstract lists them). (Not stated in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, gum fluid MMP-8 Limitations: Small trial in young students with a short, artificially induced gum problem. The test drink had added probiotic bacteria, so it is not ordinary ayran. Amounts per serving are not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Hyseni 2025 The role of fermented foods in managing food allergies in children and adults: a systematic review. Front Nutr · PMID 41561179 · DOI |
Systematic review |
10 studies (from 558 records) of fermented foods and food allergy, including yogurt and cheese | Fermented foods: fermented soy, baked goods, fruit drinks, vinegar-treated foods, oat drinks, yogurt, cheese Whole foods · vs Various |
Several studies reported reduced allergenicity, linked to fermentation breaking down allergen proteins in gluten or soy. In one case fermented food made the allergic response worse. Most studies had important methodological limitations, and the authors say current evidence is too limited for solid conclusions. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Allergenicity and allergy outcomes Limitations: Few studies, most with important limitations. The dairy studies are not described in detail in the abstract; lassi and ayran are not named. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Marco 2021 The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on fermented foods. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol · PMID 33398112 · DOI |
Consensus statement |
Expert panel convened in September 2019 | Fermented foods and beverages in general |
The panel defines fermented foods as foods made through desired microbial growth and enzymatic conversions of food components, and says fermented foods are different from probiotics. It also discusses safety, risks, nutrition and a mechanism rationale for health effects. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Definition of fermented foods; how they differ from probiotics; safety and health rationale Limitations: Expert consensus, not a trial. The abstract does not mention lassi or ayran. Industry ties of panel members are not described in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Prasad 2026 A Multidisciplinary Review of the Microbial, Functional, and Consumer Advancement of Indian Lassi. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins · PMID 42105173 · DOI |
Narrative review |
Review of published work on Indian lassi, including a bibliometric analysis | Indian lassi (yogurt-based drink): sweet, salty and spiced types Whole drink |
The review says lassi is underrepresented in indexed science. It describes support for gut and immune function and heart and metabolic risk as hypothesised benefits drawn mostly from wider fermented dairy research, not confirmed lassi trials. Published work on lassi is concentrated on formulation, quality and safety, with few human and mechanism studies. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Composition, fermentation, possible health effects, research gaps Limitations: Abstract only. A review, not a trial. It says lassi-specific health outcomes have had limited experimental validation. Funding and conflicts: Funding is not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Savaiano 2021 Yogurt, cultured fermented milk, and health: a systematic review. Nutr Rev · PMID 32447398 · DOI |
Systematic review |
108 studies of fermented milk products published 1979 to 2017 | Yogurt and other fermented milk products as foods Whole food · vs Various |
76 of the 108 studies reported a favourable outcome; 28 were not significant and 4 were unfavourable. The authors conclude a causal relationship exists between lactose digestion and tolerance and yogurt consumption. They report consistent associations (not proof of cause) between fermented milk and lower risk of breast and colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes, better weight maintenance and better heart, bone and gut health. 76 of 108 studies favourable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Gut and heart health, cancer, weight, diabetes, bone, lactose digestion Limitations: Qualitative review by two authors with consensus judging, not a pooled analysis. It covers yogurt and fermented milks, not lassi or ayran. The authors argue for putting yogurt in dietary guidelines. Funding and conflicts: The abstract lists a non-US-government research support note; the funder is not named in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Yilmaz 2025 Fermented dairy product consumption and blood lipid levels in healthy adults: a systematic review. Front Nutr · PMID 41019545 · DOI |
Systematic review |
68 studies: 14 controlled interventions, 37 non-controlled interventions, 17 observational studies in healthy adults | Conventional fermented dairy (yoghurt, kefir and others) Whole foods · vs Various |
Most intervention trials found no significant change in lipids. A few found modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol, especially with yoghurt and kefir. Observational results were mixed. Study quality, consistency and mechanism evidence were judged neither convincing nor sufficient under EFSA criteria. Mostly no significant change; a few modest reductions (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood lipids and cardiovascular disease Limitations: High risk of bias, varied designs, poor product description. Lassi and ayran are not named in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| s-koksoy-2003 Köksoy A, Kılıç M. Effects of water and salt level on rheological properties of ayran, a Turkish yoghurt drink. Int Dairy J 2003 · Source |
Laboratory study n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: title-only | ||
| s-medlineplus-foodallergy MedlinePlus: Food Allergy · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nccih-probiotics NCCIH: Probiotics: Usefulness and Safety · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nhs-foods-to-avoid NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-niddk-lactose NIDDK: Eating, Diet and Nutrition for Lactose Intolerance · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-usda-fdc-170886 USDA FoodData Central: Yogurt, plain, low fat (FDC 170886), SR Legacy April 2018 · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-who-healthy-diet WHO: Healthy diet (fact sheet) · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| Özbek Ç 2025 Exploring Turkish yoghurts: a comprehensive study on product characteristics. J Dairy Res · PMID 40964847 · DOI |
Review |
Review of Turkish yoghurt varieties | Turkish yoghurts including ayran and keş Whole foods |
The review describes Turkish yoghurt varieties and their regional and cultural variety, and says yoghurt-based products such as ayran may serve as sustainable and nutritious options in gastronomy. The abstract gives no nutrition or health numbers. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Product types, history and regional variety Limitations: A review of product types. The nutrition remark is the authors view and is not backed by numbers in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
What we do not know yet
- No human trial of ordinary lassi or ordinary ayran was found; the only trial used ayran with added probiotics.
- Salt, sugar and live culture counts in real lassi and ayran were not found in a source, and USDA has no entry.
- Most results are for yogurt or fermented dairy in general, not for these drinks.
- Tyramine and MAOI medicines, young children, breastfeeding, keeping times of home-made drinks and the CDC raw milk page (blocked) were not checked.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 3
Gum inflammation markers (plaque, gingival index, bleeding, MMP-8)
Lowered in trials
Dental scores and a gum-fluid enzyme that rise when gums are inflamed.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
They show how inflamed the gums are in dental trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A consistent signal in one small short-term trial; not shown for ordinary ayran.
Safety implication
None specific; see the Safety tab for live-culture cautions.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lower plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing and MMP-8 at day 47 with probiotic ayran than with regular ayran; probing pocket depth did not differ | 54 volunteer students in an experimental gingivitis model | Probiotic-enriched ayran twice a day for 42 days, then 5 days without brushing |
Lactose digestion and tolerance
Improved (for yogurt) in trials
How well the body breaks down milk sugar without gas, bloating or diarrhoea.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Lactose intolerance is the main reason many people avoid milk drinks.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Established for yogurt, not tested for lassi or ayran.
Safety implication
Lassi and ayran still contain lactose.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | The review concluded a causal relationship between yogurt consumption and lactose digestion and tolerance | Studies of fermented milk products (108 studies in all) | Yogurt as a food |
Total and LDL cholesterol
No consistent change in trials
Blood fats linked to heart disease risk.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Common blood markers in diet trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Evidence neither convincing nor sufficient for fermented dairy, and none for lassi or ayran.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Most intervention trials showed no significant change; a few showed modest reductions, especially with yoghurt and kefir | 68 studies in healthy adults | Conventional fermented dairy |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 3
- Milk allergy: not safe. Lassi and ayran are made from yogurt, which is made from milk. MedlinePlus lists cow's milk first among the causes of most food allergies, and says a food allergy can in rare cases cause anaphylaxis. A review of fermented foods and allergy found limited evidence, with one case of a worse allergic response, so fermentation is not a reason to try these drinks with a milk allergy. Authoritative guidance 8 2
- Unpasteurised dairy in pregnancy. The NHS lists pasteurised yoghurt as safe in pregnancy and warns that unpasteurised dairy may contain listeria, which can cause listeriosis, miscarriage or stillbirth. Street or home-made drinks may use unpasteurised dairy, which cannot be known without asking. Authoritative guidance 10
- Lactose, salt and sugar. Lassi and ayran contain lactose, so some people with lactose intolerance will react. Ayran is traditionally made with salt and sweet lassi with sugar, but amounts in real products were not found in a source. The WHO limits are less than 5 g of salt a day and free sugars under 10% of daily energy. Authoritative guidance 11 13
Side effects 2
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic reaction to milk protein, from hives and swelling to anaphylaxis From general milk allergy guidance, not a study of these drinks. | Frequency for lassi or ayran not found. | can be severe (anaphylaxis) Not described in the sources read. | Authoritative guidance 8 |
| Digestive symptoms (gas, bloating, diarrhoea) in people with lactose intolerance Not tested for lassi or ayran. | NIDDK says people differ in how much lactose they handle. | mild to moderate Not described in the sources read. | Authoritative guidance 11 |
Liver
No liver injury linked to lassi or ayran was found in the sources read. A liver-safety source (such as LiverTox) was not searched.
How often. No frequency was found.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Lassi and Ayran supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 1
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicines or conditions that weaken the immune system condition | Yogurt-type drinks may contain live bacteria. NCCIH says the risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater in people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems, and some probiotic products contain organisms not listed on the label. | NCCIH discusses probiotic products, not lassi or ayran. Whether ordinary lassi or ayran carry the same risk was not shown. | Authoritative guidance Low certainty 9 3 | If your immune system is weakened, ask your doctor or pharmacist about live-culture foods. |
Who should check first 4
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cow's milk allergy | Avoid these drinks and ask an allergist about your own case. For trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips or throat, call 911 or your local emergency number. | Authoritative guidance 8 |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | The NHS lists pasteurised yoghurt as safe in pregnancy and unpasteurised dairy as a listeria risk. Choose pasteurised drinks and ask when unsure. A source on breastfeeding and these drinks was not found. | Authoritative guidance 10 |
| Lactose intolerance | NIDDK suggests yogurt is easier than milk for some people, but these drinks were not tested. Try a small amount with food. | Authoritative guidance 11 |
| Told to limit salt or sugar (for example high blood pressure or diabetes) | Check the label of packaged drinks, because ayran may contain salt and sweet lassi may contain sugar. Ask your doctor or dietitian about your own limits. | Authoritative guidance 13 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No toxicity from lassi or ayran as ordinary food was found in the sources read. The safety points are milk allergy, lactose, unpasteurised dairy in pregnancy, and salt and sugar in some recipes.
Animal. Not reviewed.
Overdose response. Not found.
Genotoxicity. Not researched.
Food safety of home-made or street lassi and ayran (raw milk, hygiene, storage time) was not researched in a source read, apart from the NHS warning on unpasteurised dairy.
Unpasteurised dairy. The NHS says unpasteurised or soft ripened dairy foods may contain listeria, and lists any pasteurised yoghurt as safe in pregnancy. 10
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| NHS (United Kingdom) | Foods to avoid in pregnancy: any pasteurised yoghurt is listed as safe; unpasteurised or soft ripened dairy foods may contain listeria. source | 2026-06-15 |
| WHO (International) | Healthy diet fact sheet: adults should keep salt under 5 g a day and free sugars under 10% of daily energy. source | 2026-01-26 |
When to get medical help
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat, widespread hives, repeated vomiting, dizziness or collapse after a milk-based drink (possible anaphylaxis): use epinephrine if prescribed, then call 911 or your local emergency number
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are lassi and ayran?
Is there research on lassi and ayran themselves?
Is lassi good for digestion?
Can I drink lassi if I am lactose intolerant?
It depends on the person. NIDDK says many people with lactose intolerance tolerate some lactose and suggests yogurt, but lassi and ayran were not tested. Try a small amount with food.
Does ayran help gum health?
One small trial in 54 students found less gum inflammation with probiotic-enriched ayran than with regular ayran. It is one short trial of a special product, so it does not show that ordinary ayran helps.
Is ayran high in salt?
Is sweet lassi high in sugar?
Sweet and fruit lassi may contain added sugar, but we found no source with real values. The WHO advises free sugars under 10% of daily energy. Check the label, especially with diabetes.
Are lassi and ayran safe with a milk allergy?
Can I drink lassi or ayran in pregnancy?
The NHS lists pasteurised yoghurt as safe and warns that unpasteurised dairy may contain listeria. Choose pasteurised drinks and ask about home-made or street drinks.
Do lassi and ayran lower cholesterol?
Not shown. A 2025 review of fermented dairy found most trials showed no significant change in blood fats, and lassi and ayran were not named.
Are lassi and ayran probiotics?
Not automatically. ISAPP says fermented foods are different from probiotics. The sources we read do not show that ordinary lassi or ayran meet the probiotic definition.
Are there cautions for a weak immune system?
NCCIH says the risk from probiotics is greater in people with severe illness or weak immunity. It does not discuss lassi or ayran. Ask a doctor or pharmacist.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing summary for lassi and ayran and re-read each source: PubMed abstracts and the NHS, NIDDK, MedlinePlus, NCCIH and WHO pages. Only abstracts were read for studies. The 2003 ayran lab paper could be checked by title only. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 14
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Alkaya B, Haytac MC, Özcan M, Türer OU. Daily Probiotic Ayran Intake Reduces Gingival Inflammation: An Experimental Gingivitis Study.. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2024. PMID 39400083. DOI 10.3290/j.ohpd.b5784693. (abstract)
- Hyseni B, Papadimitriou K, Issa A, Tonay AN, et al.. The role of fermented foods in managing food allergies in children and adults: a systematic review.. Front Nutr. 2025. PMID 41561179. DOI 10.3389/fnut.2025.1689636. (abstract)
- Marco ML, Sanders ME, Gänzle M, Arrieta MC, et al.. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on fermented foods.. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021. PMID 33398112. DOI 10.1038/s41575-020-00390-5. (abstract)
- Prasad H, Song S, Jang MJ, Kim H. A Multidisciplinary Review of the Microbial, Functional, and Consumer Advancement of Indian Lassi.. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins. 2026. PMID 42105173. DOI 10.1007/s12602-026-11028-4. (abstract)
- Savaiano DA, Hutkins RW. Yogurt, cultured fermented milk, and health: a systematic review.. Nutr Rev. 2021. PMID 32447398. DOI 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa013. (abstract)
- Yilmaz B, Alvanoudi P, Kalogeropoulou A, Santa D, et al.. Fermented dairy product consumption and blood lipid levels in healthy adults: a systematic review.. Front Nutr. 2025. PMID 41019545. DOI 10.3389/fnut.2025.1651134. (abstract)
- . Köksoy A, Kılıç M. Effects of water and salt level on rheological properties of ayran, a Turkish yoghurt drink. Int Dairy J 2003. . . (title-only)
- . MedlinePlus: Food Allergy. . . (full-text)
- . NCCIH: Probiotics: Usefulness and Safety. . . (full-text)
- . NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy. . . (full-text)
- . NIDDK: Eating, Diet and Nutrition for Lactose Intolerance. . . (full-text)
- . USDA FoodData Central: Yogurt, plain, low fat (FDC 170886), SR Legacy April 2018. . . (full-text)
- . WHO: Healthy diet (fact sheet). . . (full-text)
- Özbek Ç, Esen MK. Exploring Turkish yoghurts: a comprehensive study on product characteristics.. J Dairy Res. 2025. PMID 40964847. DOI 10.1017/S0022029925101088. (abstract)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- Live and active cultures on the label, if that is what you want
- Refrigerated or shelf-stable, since shelf-stable versions may be heat treated
- Added sugar and sodium
- A best-by date
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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